February 27, 2019
Together, we are the body of Christ ~ transforming people from members into disciples, moving more deeply into God's call to life and ministry, and extending our mission beyond the status quo.

Discipleship | Discernment | Development
Thank you

On behalf of Bishop Russell and the Duvall Center staff, we would like to thank the Rev. De Freeman, the Rev. Dr. Mary Jayne Ledgerwood and the congregation of St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope for hosting the 48th Annual Diocesan Convention. Thank you to our keynote speaker, Dr. Greg Garret for his gift of storytelling and invitation of sharing our own stories with one another. Thank you to convention co-chairs Bruce Stone and Ann Fargason for their skills of organization, the church staff for all their efforts, and the volunteers for dedicating their time and energy. Your endless hospitality was very welcoming and appreciated.

Also, thank you to everyone who attended the convention - clergy, delegates, exhibitors, visitors and spouses. Your attendance made for a wonderful and meaningful time together.

Our convention was a true celebration of our "Life Together."
Post Diocesan Convention Summary and Resources
For those who were not able to attend, but were with us in spirit and would like to share in our joy from the three wonderful days of convention activities in Fairhope, February 14 - 16, as we celebrated our "Life Together" at St. James Episcopal Church, HERE IS THE SUMMARY.

For the links to convention materials, the bishop's sermon and address, presentations, homilies, etc., visit the CONVENTION WRAP-UP on our website.

For photos, visit ST. JAMES' FACEBOOK PAGE or search #diocgc19 on social media.

For a reflection on the convention, read UTO representative and member of St. Christopher's in Pensacola, Sarah McCarren's ARTICLE.
Preparing for our Jubilee Celebration
by Cynthia Tucker
In the world of anniversary celebrations, the word “jubilee” is meant to mark many years — usually fifty. In the Bible, however, “jubilee” has a richer meaning: it is a time to extend mercy, to forgive debts, to free the enslaved, to correct injustices and to celebrate the liberty offered by a life in Christ. 

As the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast approaches its 50th anniversary next year, the Rt. Rev. Russell Kendrick hopes that we will mark that half-century with a rich commemoration that is not only festive and celebratory but also steeped in the spirit of forgiveness and broad mercies that the Biblical Jubilee invites. To that end, Bishop Russell has formed a committee to plan a commemoration.

The committee, comprising laity and clergy from across the diocese, met for the first time on January 19 at the Duvall Center in Pensacola. Those in attendance included parishioners from as far away as Monroeville, Greenville and Troy.

In a brainstorming session, committee members presented wide-ranging ideas for the Jubilee celebration and later grouped those ideas into categories, including stewardship, evangelism, worship, communication and outreach/justice. Subcommittees were appointed to further develop those ideas as initiatives for next year’s commemoration. The next full committee meeting will be held on April 13 at the Duvall Center.
LENTEN RESOURCES
Ash Wednesday is March 5
After you have your fill of pancakes from your Shrove Tuesday night dinner, you might consider taking on a Lenten practice to fill-up your spiritual life.

The Episcopal Church has gathered many different resources to use. Find one that calls to you.

Observe Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on March 10
Congregations are invited to observe Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on the first Sunday in Lent, or another convenient Sunday.

At the 2009 General Convention, Lent was officially designated as a time to encourage dioceses, congregations, and individuals to remember and support the life-saving work of Episcopal Relief & Development. We invite all Episcopalians to join together on Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday, and throughout the Lenten season, to pray for those living in need.


THE GOOD BOOK CLUB
Join us in reading Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans during Epiphany 2019
The Good Book Club is an invitation to all Episcopalians to join in reading Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans during Epiphany 2019.

Forward Movement has divided Romans into 50 daily readings, beginning on Monday, January 7, and concluding on Shrove Tuesday, March 5. Each day, participants are invited to read, reflect, and pray upon a few verses of Romans. On Sundays, we encourage participants to take a break from Romans and listen and respond to the lectionary readings at their local churches. Click here to view the readings or download a PDF.
Bishop Russell's reflections for each weeks' reading can be viewed at www.diocgc.org/good-book-club
COMMUNITY
Beckwith prepares for Summer Camp 2019
The staff at Beckwith is working diligently preparing for an outstanding summer camp season. Registration is open and sessions are beginning to fill. 

  • Sr. High (9th-12th Grade): June 2-6 $400
  • Leaders-in-Training (LIT): June 6-7 $160
  • Session 1 (6th-8th Grade): June 9-14 $480
  • Session 2 (3rd-5th Grade): June 16-21 $480
  • Session 3 (7th-9th Grade): June 23-28 ​$480
  • Special Ministries: June 30-July 3
  • Session 5 (5th & 6th Grade): July 7-12 ​$480
  • Session 6 (6th & 7th Grade): July 14-19 ​$480
  • Session 7 (3rd & 4th Grade): July 21-25 $340
  • Family Camp (1st Grade+): July 26-28 $240 for 1 child & 1 adult; $48 per additional adult, $96 per additional child, or $144 per additional 1 child & 1 adult

Happening #55
From Emmie Smith, Happening #55 Lay Rector, from St. Paul’s Daphne

"Happening 55… a weekend full of wonder, love, tears, joy, and most importantly Jesus. Happening 55 is a weekend I will NEVER forget. We spent hours singing, dancing, and basking in God’s glorious creation. This was my third Happening and I am here to say it gets better every year. The youth in this diocese are inspirational and compassionate and if you ever get a chance to go through, send someone through, or just help out with an incredible weekend like Happening I would say totally do it. Even though this weekend was the BEST, I know that truly the Best Is Yet To Come!"
Hurricane survivors given opportunity to share struggles
At the beginning of February, the Rev. Roy Elam organized an event where survivors of Hurricane Michael could share their struggles, saying, "If you don't express it and get it out, it's gonna come out. But it can come out in headaches, ulcers, all kinds of things that can happen to you physiologically, so you've gotta get it out and that's one way you heal, by talking about it." The event was hosted by St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Panama City.

See the NEWS REPORT >>
OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
CONFERENCE | Men's Conference
Friday, March 1- Sunday, March 3 | Beckwith

The 38th Men's Conference and Retreat will be centered around "Doing the Bible Better" presented by the Rev. Terence Elsberry, priest associate at Christ Church, Greenwich, Connecticut. For study, fun and fellowship, come and see how to deepen your faith by the study of the scripture. Also come and see why this conference is truly “the best little Men’s Conference in the Episcopal Church.” P.S. We shuck oysters too!

To learn more, DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE >>

WORKSHOP | Becoming Beloved Community - Sacred Conversations
Sponsored by the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation
Saturday, March 9 | 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | St. Jude's, Niceville

Join us for an interactive workshop which will provide insights into the causes and effects of racism. We explore unconscious bias, prejudice, white privilege, and ways to work together to Become The Beloved Community. This offering is required for those in parish leadership (such as vestries) and at the diocesan level (including serving on commissions, committees, agencies, boards, etc.). It also qualifies for 8 hours of clergy training/education for those who complete the day course.

The event is limited to not more than thirty (30) participants. There is no fee to participate but it requires the commitment to be engaged the full day.

To learn more, DOWNLOAD THE FLYER >>


Visit the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation WEBPAGE>>
WORKSHOP | Outreach and Stewardship
Presented by the Congregational Enrichment Venture (CEV) team
Saturday, March 23 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | St. Jude's, Niceville

The Congregational Enrichment Venture team would like to invite you to attend this all day workshop focused on exploring new and creative ways to further the Kingdom of God, not merely to survive but to be a vital and viable congregation. Church teams of two or more people are encouraged. Cost is $50 per church team.

There will be two presenters at the March 23 event:
OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
led by the Rev. Hendree Harrison

Dwelling on the Word on Outreach
What does outreach look like?
Ways to reach out to and be more involved in your community
STEWARDSHIP
led by the Rev. Reid McCormick

Dwelling on the Word on Stewardship
Stewardship as a way of life
Ways to practice stewardship: Consecration Sunday and Project Resource
Contact: The Rev. Dr. Margaret Shepard, revshepard@knology.net.


To register, CLICK HERE
EVENT | Spring Assembly of The Order of the Daughters of the King
Saturday, March 30 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | St. Simon's on the Sound, Ft. Walton Beach

"Be Still and Know..." from Psalm 46 will be the theme for The Order of the Daughters of the King Spring Assembly. Bishop Russell Kendrick will be the celebrant and homilist at the Eucharist and Province IV president, Dr. Jane Searcy, will be the keynote speaker. All Daughters of the King and those interested in knowing more about the Order are invited. Details are included in the Registration Form.

Questions? Contact Beth Moore at bethcmoore@bellsouth.net.

RETREAT | Clergy Spouse Retreat
Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7 | Beckwith

Clergy spouses in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast are invited to join Robin Kendrick for a weekend of rest, renewal, and fellowship. Activities will include yoga, pour painting, waterfront activities, nature walks, and social time. We are planning for a fun event off property Saturday afternoon - stay tuned for the details. Click the registration link for schedule. 

Cost varies. Contact Beckwith with questions at 251-928-7844.

CHURCH & COMMUNITY EVENTS
BISHOP RUSSELL'S VISITATION CALENDAR ( click here for full calendar)
March 3
Visitation at St. Andrew's, Destin

March 10
Visitation at Holy Cross, Pensacola

March 11-16
Spring House of Bishops
CYCLE OF PRAYER ( click here for full calendar )
Please join your prayers with others in our common witness as the Episcopal Church in the Central Gulf Coast
March 3
Grace Church, Panama City Beach

March 10
Episcopal Relief & Development
March 3
Calhoun Correctional Institution, Blountstown

March 10
Century Correctional Institution, Century
Also keep in your prayers all of those who have been impacted by Hurricane Michael. Reliefs efforts are still ongoing and will be for sometime. Please consider making a donation. DONATE.
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